77,000 pilgrims throng Vaishnodevi shrine during Navratras

Jammu: Around 77,000 pilgrims have visited the holy town of Katra and paid obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine till this afternoon. Around 14,000 more pilgrims paid obeisance on the 3rd day of the Navratras at the Vaishno Devi Shrine till 2pm today, according to the Yatra registration counter (YRC), Katra.

The total number of pilgrims to have visited the shrine stands at 76,963 currently, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) officials said. In the first two days, 62,963 pilgrims had visited the cave shrine with 37,848 and 25,118 visiting on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, they added.

The Navratra festival held every year, started on October 13. District administration Reasi in collaboration with state tourism department and SMVDSB have made all the necessary arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Navratra festival.

Additional facilities like drinking water, medicare, security etc have been arranged by the administration to cater to the rush of pilgrims witnessed during the Navratra days.Apart from that, locals, various Navratra festival committees, associations etc are also extending full cooperation to make the festival a grand success.

The temples, main bazaar and hotels are decked up with flowers and decorative lights to provide them a festive look. Meanwhile, volunteers of different religious and social organizations including Maa Vaishno Devi Charitable trust are offering their services for a free 'langer' (food) set up for the organizers and participants of Navratra Festival at Panchvati Katra.